This Mexican Street Corn Salad is the ultimate side dish for any gathering, blending sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors into one irresistible dish. The charred corn gives a lovely depth of flavor, while the creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream dressing bring it all together. The addition of fresh lime juice and cilantro adds a refreshing zing that makes this salad pop. Perfect for summer cookouts, taco nights, or as a unique salad at family dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd. The combination of creamy texture and bold flavors will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Full recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling corn, optional)
Directions:
- If using fresh corn, grill the corn on medium-high heat until slightly charred (about 10-12 minutes), then cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen or canned corn, skip this step.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Stir everything together until the corn is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Fold in the crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the corn before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for grilling corn) | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Flavorful and Versatile Dish to Elevate Your Meals
Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites, is a delicious and vibrant dish that brings the bold flavors of Mexico directly to your plate. It’s an irresistible combination of grilled or roasted corn kernels, creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and a perfect balance of spices, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish or appetizer. This dish takes its inspiration from Elote, a popular Mexican street food where corn on the cob is slathered with a mixture of mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime. However, Esquites (or Mexican Street Corn Salad) presents the same tasty combination in a more convenient and shareable salad form. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a Taco Tuesday gathering, or simply looking to add some flair to your weeknight dinner, Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect dish to serve. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it also offers a variety of health benefits and is easy to customize according to your preferences. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this recipe a must-try.
The Origins of Mexican Street Corn Salad
The dish, also known as Esquites, has its roots in Mexico, where street vendors sell roasted or grilled corn on the cob slathered in creamy toppings. These vendors often prepare corn by grilling it directly over an open flame, then smothering it with ingredients such as mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, lime, and more. It’s an iconic snack that can be found on nearly every corner in Mexico, providing a flavorful and satisfying treat for both locals and tourists alike. Mexican Street Corn Salad is the salad version of Elote and offers the same indulgent flavors in a shareable format. In fact, many people prefer the salad version because it’s easier to eat and can be enjoyed as a side dish at parties, barbecues, and picnics.
Why This Recipe is the Best
- Bold and Vibrant Flavors: One of the reasons Mexican Street Corn Salad stands out is its remarkable flavor profile. The smoky grilled or roasted corn kernels are balanced by the rich creaminess of mayonnaise and sour cream. The hint of tang from the lime juice and the fresh, bright flavor of cilantro bring it all together in a harmonious way. The chili powder and smoked paprika give this dish a touch of heat without overwhelming the palate. It’s the perfect blend of savory, creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy!
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize to suit your tastes. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili powder, or swap it with a milder option such as paprika if you prefer. You can also substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or try different types of cheese like feta or Parmesan. For those who want to add a smoky depth, a sprinkle of smoked cheese can be used in place of cotija.
- Quick and Easy to Make: Despite its bold flavor, Mexican Street Corn Salad is simple to prepare. If you’re using fresh corn, grilling it takes just about 10-12 minutes, and if you’re using canned or frozen corn, the recipe comes together even faster. The prep time is minimal—within 25 minutes, you’ll have a delightful side dish or snack ready to serve. Whether you’re cooking for a large crowd or preparing a smaller portion for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is designed to be both time-efficient and foolproof.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This salad is the ideal accompaniment to a variety of meals. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, burgers, or even as a light meal on its own. The vibrant flavors complement almost any main course, making it a great addition to your recipe collection. It’s also an excellent dish for summer cookouts and potlucks, as it’s easy to transport and serve in large batches.
- Nutritional Benefits: While this dish is indulgent and flavorful, it also comes with some health benefits. Corn is rich in fiber and antioxidants, which help promote digestion and protect against cellular damage. The dish also incorporates fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime, which provide additional vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and folate. While the mayonnaise and sour cream provide a creamy texture, you can easily make this dish lighter by using alternatives like Greek yogurt or light sour cream.
The dish is also vegetarian and can be made gluten-free, which makes it an excellent choice for individuals with dietary restrictions. You can enjoy all the flavor without worrying about common allergens, making it a crowd-pleaser for a variety of guests.
- Affordable and Accessible Ingredients: One of the best things about Mexican Street Corn Salad is that it’s made with ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. You don’t need to visit specialty markets or spend a lot of money to create this dish. Fresh corn is in abundance during the summer, but frozen or canned corn works just as well in this recipe. Similarly, cotija cheese can be replaced with more commonly available cheeses if needed, ensuring you can prepare this dish without any difficulty or extra cost.
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. For a laid-back summer barbecue, serve it in a large bowl alongside your grilled meats and fresh salsas. For a taco night, use the salad as a side dish or as a topping for your tacos to elevate the flavor. If you’re preparing it for a party or picnic, consider serving it in individual cups to make it easy for guests to grab and go. To make the dish even more exciting, you can garnish it with extra toppings such as extra crumbled cotija cheese, a drizzle of lime juice, or a sprinkle of chili flakes. Some people like to add chopped jalapeños or even a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds to enhance the flavor and add a bit of crunch.
Mexican Street Corn Salad Variations
Although the classic Mexican Street Corn Salad is amazing on its own, you can easily mix things up to make the dish even more unique. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a heartier version of this salad. The smoky flavors of the grilled meat pair perfectly with the creamy corn salad.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced fresh jalapeños to give the salad an extra spicy punch.
- Make it Vegan: To make the salad vegan-friendly, swap out the mayo and sour cream for a plant-based version and use vegan cheese. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying without the dairy.
- Use Roasted Corn: For an even more flavorful twist, roast the corn in the oven or over the grill to bring out the natural sweetness and smokiness. It adds an extra layer of depth to the salad.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect blend of bold, creamy, and spicy flavors, making it a go-to side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a large party or a cozy dinner at home, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. This dish is not only delicious but also highly versatile and easy to prepare, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant, and flavorful food. Don’t wait until summer to try this recipe—Mexican Street Corn Salad is a dish you’ll want to enjoy year-round. The combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors will keep you coming back for more, and with endless possibilities for customization, it’s a dish that will never get old. So, grab some corn, fire up the grill, and get ready to indulge in this amazing Mexican treat!